Chipmunk's Solo AT Thru Hike UpdateDay 168 on the Appalachian Trail Miles Hiked to Date: 1830 Hiked yesterday: 9 Trail Miles, Miles left to hike: 353

First, I need to answer a few blog comment questions:To Loretta, Yes, Siren is doing great even though she and all of the hikers are having a tough time in the Whites. She and I texted just yesterday evening and she is pretty close to where Chipmunk is hiking. I'm hoping they'll connect and hike together soon. She looked great the last time I saw her.

To Ellie ... YOU BETTER NOT HAVE A HEDGEHOG THAT'S WAITING TO SAY HI TO CHIPMUNK! We are hoping our little Chipmunk's latest obsession will pass. I think we set a bad precedent by caving into her desire to have white mice, a goat, a snake, chinese hamsters, an English Bulldog (especially when we already had 2 boxers at the time), a turtle and a couple of porch cats. We miss you, El! (But, I worry when Chipmunk and you get in cahoots!) To Shelli P., regarding your 4 year old's interest in BMX, one place to start the research is at www.usabmx.com where you can read about the organization that oversees the American part of BMX racing. There's a tab to click on to find the track closest to you. It's been a few years since Chipmunk has raced but when she first started (and also when she later returned to the sport), the local track had loaner helmets on hand and usually offered an inexpensive or free one day pass so a rider can try the sport out without making a financial commitment. FYI, when Chipmunk raced, we were members of the now defunct National Bicycle League. In 2011, the National Bicycle League was bought by the American Bicycling Association and the combined leagues are now USABMX. Our time in BMX was truly one of the best family oriented sports we ever experienced! Good luck!

To Julie, I'm inspired that you do 3.1 miles at the gym! I may need to talk to you soon about a project I'm considering; (more about that at the end of this blog). As for your question about Log resuming his hike, the general consensus is that any hiker who completes the entire trail in 12 months is said to have thru hiked it. Here's how the Appalachian Trail Conservancy puts it on their website: "A thru-hiker is a hiker or backpacker who has completed or is attempting to walk the entire Appalachian Trail in one uninterrupted journey." Many a hiker takes a break, does a flip flop (hiking half North then resuming the other portion and hiking South from Katahdin typically to Harpers Ferry), etc. There's also a 2000 miler badge given by the ATC and I believe that may cover every hike that's not the traditional uninterrupted thru hike.

Second, here's a pic of the Flags on the 48 South Kinsman Mountain hiking crew. If you're not familiar with "Flags on the 48", here's a link to their website: http://www.flagsonthe48.org. As per their website, "We in the hiking community continue to honor the deceased with a tribute: flying the American flag atop all 48 four-thousand foot and higher mountains in New Hampshire on the weekend closest to September 11 each year. By demonstrating our steadfast unity in this challenging endeavor, we also hope to express our unwavering support to the families, friends and communities whose losses are beyond comprehension and whose suffering we remember in our hearts." Bob P., thanks for sharing your group's story with Chipmunk and now our readers, too! We LOVE what you are doing!!

... And now, a little about Chipmunk's hiking day, her 2nd day/night away from us in a row. (NOTE: Because Chipmunk doesn't often take pictures with her phone, to reserve the battery for emergency use, the next 3 pictures are from Google Images website.) We've had limited contact with Chipmunk but followed her on her SPOT GPS tracking and saw that she made it to the intended hut for her night's stay. She also sent out her "I'm OK" SPOT device message. As I mentioned yesterday, the huts are enclosed buildings that are much warmer than the shelters, even though they are not heated. As far as I know, they do not have electric there either but some huts do have limited solar power. As you can see from the pic, many a hiker arrives and airs out (or dries out) their sleeping bags on the porch.

Inside most huts, the dining area is a series of picnic style tables and benches. Dinner is typically served by the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) hut staff, who are typically college age. There are also a limited number of "work for stay" positions available at most every hut. The hikers who do work for stay also help prepare and/or serve the food, wash dishes, organize racks, sweep, etc. Meal orders are taken restaurant style for the pre-set menu and we've heard that the food is very good; most dishes are fresh and homemade.

The bunk room is a series of wooden bunks stacked 3 high and typically, the huts provide one pillow and one blanket per bunk. Hikers are expected to bring their own sleeping bag for additional warmth. It is not a 5 star resort by any stretch of the imagination but I'm sure it feels good to be off the ground on cold nights. When a hiker does "work for stay", they are offered a spot on the floor or on a bench in the dining area or common area. I don't believe they get a bunk, even if there are open bunks. I'm not positive of that so we'll have to see if Chipmunk can shed any light on that soon.

Since we don't have a lot to report while Chipmunk is on this 2 nights away part of her hike, we'd like to introduce you to another very young hiker. This is BUDDY BACKPACKER, 5 year old Christian Thomas, who is thru hiking with his dad. He is one amazing kid!

I believe he started in Harpers Ferry, WV and is near to summiting Katahdin, to complete his Northern portion of the AT. I believe he and his dad plan to start the southern portion in 2014. As long as they complete the entire journey in 12 months, they will be considered to have fully thru hiked the Appalachian Trail. Check out his website: http://www.buddybackpacker.com We think he's pretty awesome and Chipmunk and we hope to meet him. Go, Buddy Backpacker!!

Before I close today's blog, I want to mention something that I've been thinking about. Although I am 49 years old and consider myself somewhat active, I am overweight. I am classified obese. Last I weighed myself, I believe I was 230+/- pounds. I often make jokes about my weight but the reality is that it has bothered me in the past and I worry about its implications for the future.

When this adventure is over, my next challenge in life may be shedding this extra 100 lbs. of weight that I've been dragging around with me since before Chipmunk was born. Any thoughts? Please do share.

If you enjoy reading the story of our adventure, and you’d like to send some “Trail Magic” to Chipmunk, click on the “Donate” button at the upper right corner of today’s blog post. Chipmunk maintains a twitter account: @openlymtngoat where a common hashtag is #GoChipmunk . She (or we) will try to answer any questions you may have about her hike and this family adventure.

Thanks again for all your support,Mama Chip, Papa Chip, Chipmunk and her dog, Chocolate Chip(Tammy, Jay, Neva and Coco)

Tammy- I just want to let you know that I look forward to reading your blog daily. Chipmunk is a true inspiration, you must be so very proud of her accomplishments thus far. I too relate to many of your posts especially regarding weight and the things my mother says. I truly understand the battles within. I too have suffered from depression. You mentioned the Camino De Santiago, it is my dream to walk the Camino. Please keep us posted on your thoughts on the Camino.

Ok, Mama Chip, You know I can't resist responding to your latest thoughts :-) First and foremost, I am here to offer any type of support that I can on your next endeavor! That being said, my first thought is to get together with like-minded women who will do this with you. From what I've read, having your husband's support will not be an issue and that is something you've already got going for you!!! Next is to figure out the "what". Maybe it is a matter of doing different things but always something... and as you progress, make things more challenging but always keep it fun... for example, start out walking flat trails... then find hills... cross train and mix it up! Bike, run, swim (lol, gee, why did those three just pop into my head) yoga, hike, paddleboard, surf, ski, kayak, ohhhh, zipline!!!... the more I write, the more I think you need to find a group of adventurous women like yourself... :-) Continued support for Chipmunk, who is just freakin' awesome!!!!

Reply

tom kennedy

9/19/2013 01:59:33 am

i'ee be knowin' wha' et feels lawk t' be ou' on th' trail on international talkin' lawk a pirate voyage. i'ee too last yearrr was on th' trail on this fine voyage. but nay one shood be workin' on such a fine 'oliday as talkin' lawk a pirate voyage. .so i'ee gi'e chipmunk credit fer not takin' a zero t' favor talkin' lawk a pirate voyage. ye go young lady ye be stronger than any pirate i'ee be knowin'. eat um up chipmunk.

Reply

Kara

9/19/2013 01:59:38 am

Tammy - As you know from previous comments I've left, I went from 260+ down to the high 150s. I'm back up a little now, and working to relose about 25 lbs and then another 20 after that to get to my goal of 130-135. I'm 45, so I know how hard the struggle can be when you're older. :)

I have done a lot of research and reading over the last 7 years and I also run a fitness and weight loss message board.

Here is my advice for you:

1 - You can't out exercise a bad diet. You see all these programs that say you'll burn 1000 calories in 30 mins or whatever, but it simply isn't true. Most women will burn around 500 calories an hour doing moderate to vigorous exercise. That's not really all that much. So the priority will have to be managing food; lean proteins, healthy fats, lots of veggies, some whole grains, and some dairy.

2 - Don't start at crazy low calorie levels. You'll burn out. I lose well on 1600-1700 calories a day. People will tell you that you have to cut back to 1200 or even 1000. They're lying. :)

3 - WEIGHT TRAIN. I cannot stress this enough. At our age especially it's important to slow bone density loss and weight training will do that. And not barbie weights either. Real, heavy, solid weights - including your own bodyweight if that's what you have available. Weight training will increase your metabolism (muscle is more metabolically active than fat), strengthen your bones, and help you lose weight.

4 - Cardio in moderate amounts. You don't have to run for an hour or do 3 Zumba classes back to back (unless you just want to!). If you're doing 30-45 mins of weight training 3x a week, you can do some kind of cardio another 2x-3x a week and you'll get all the benefits of the cardio endurance and some extra calorie burn.

5 - Read everything you can on weight loss and health and fitness WITH SKEPTICISM. :) There are too many people out there who will tell you that their way is the ONLY way or that their way is the miracle way or that their foods will melt the fat from your body. Hooey. The more you read, the more contradictory information you'll come across and the more you'll start to noodle out the nuggets of truth that hold true across the spectrum. Once you see those things, you'll figure out that there's a lot of variation to the specifics process, even tho the basics are the same.

Email me any time if you want to talk, ask questions about my loss, vent, or anything. :) I am always happy to support someone who wants to lose weight to be healthy and fit and happy - and especially women who are older and face different challenges in the process.

Reply

Kara

9/19/2013 02:00:14 am

PS - Hedgehogs are AWESOME! :)

Reply

Loretta Lisowski

9/19/2013 03:04:05 am

That's so much on the Siren update. She was feeling down a few days ago. She did do a "work for dinner" stint at a hut and had to sleep in the dining room on a bench but said it felt glorious to be indoors. We've got great weather in her hometown so I hope she's having the same.

Reply

Loretta

9/19/2013 12:02:08 pm

*Thanks (I meant) - just heard from Siren - sounds like everyone did have good weather and she sounds so much better!

Reply

aunt carol

9/19/2013 03:06:32 am

Weight training is a must. Me, I want to freeze my fat off.

Reply

Julie

9/19/2013 03:23:21 am

A 5yo hiking? WOW! I bet it is incredibly difficult waiting for the OK check in from Chipmunk. I'm so thrilled to hear that it's in a 12 month period! I couldn't imagine needing to start it all over again. I'm so pulling for Chipmunk and the summit before the 15th, but thankful you have contingency plans in place.

I agree with Kara. I'm going to totally throw myself under the bus and say, I weighed more than 230. I do cardio every day but I started this journey for my heart health and I unfortunately right now am in a position where I don't have a lot of physical activity daily so it makes me feel better to know I've been up and moving. I use the myfitnesspal app and it has been a great tool! One thing I've learned, like Kara said, you can't outwork bad eating habits. You lose weight with your fork, you get fit in the gym. I do weight training every other day, walk the 5 k, and have fallen in love with the elliptical! (Thankfully my husband's employer pays our gym membership)! Another thing I do, which has really shown benefit, is I do push ups against the kitchen counter while I cook dinner. I make sure to wear my shoes so my socks don't slip. :) It doesn't hurt my lower back as much as doing it on the floor. Kara is exactly right about the amt of calories I burn. I have a 1200 calorie base for the day, but on myfitnesspal, it's a net amt. So, I enter the workout I do and it adds those calories back to my daily count. So today, I burned 460 calories so I have a 1660 calorie limit.

One other thing I've learned is that for ME, I just can't do unnecessary carbs. I don't eat pasta, bread or white potatoes. I left refined sugar in the dust and try to eat as many fresh veggies as I can with minimal meat. It does cost more but there's so much heart disease and diabetes in my family I had to take drastic measures. I will cheer you on, support you in any way I can, and be a listening ear along your journey! I have seen the things you've done to help prepare Chipmunk and to support the rest of your family through their adventures, I know you can do this!!

Reply

Janice

9/19/2013 03:37:57 am

I've lived in Norway for 13 years and my fat still hasn't frozen off.

My advice for losing weight is to exercise. Strength training is especially important because if you just diet, about half of what you lose will be muscle. As mentioned above, muscle burns more calories than fat which is why the body wants to get rid of it. Your body doesn't want to use more energy than necessary.

My other advice is to get your recommended 9-10 servings of fruits and vegetables and the 6 servings of whole grains you are supposed to have as well as some good protein. Once you've got all that in you, you won't have room for much of anything else -- like stolen ice cream, for example.

I've always struggled with my weight too, so I'm with you on this. I tend to gain weight whenever I get depressed since I can't exercise or make proper healthful food.

Reply

Kara

9/19/2013 03:42:22 am

@Julie - I do counter pushups too. :) I try to knock out a quick set of 10 whenever I walk thru the kitchen.

Reply

Melissa McHale

9/19/2013 07:40:19 am

You've gotten so many wonderful tips already. I too was over a hundred pounds overweight over three years ago. I took it off by doing what your Chipmunk did. Set a goal, believe long-term, and let each day be my best effort toward my end destination without being overly concerned about that end goal each day, but reasonably working toward it. Step by step. Set daily, weekly goals. I lost between half a pound and a pound a week, and I did it mostly by sticking to a reasonable diet, and walking. At first my goal was to stand and do dishes without back pain. Achieved that. Set another to eat more healthfully, meaning less processed foods - more progress. At the end of three years I was able to resume long distance hiking for up to twenty miles a day. But back to Tao of Chipmunk ... just see to your needs for today, with an eye to tomorrow too if the circumstances demand it. Just take it step by step. I believe in you. Email me if you'd like info on low-cost weight loss support groups - some are very expensive and there are online groups too. Pick an option that jives with your beliefs and lifestyle. And congratulations for doing this for the best reason of all - you and your health. It's never to late to take that first step. Bless you!

Reply

Mari

9/19/2013 10:43:15 am

I have so enjoyed following Chipmunk's journey on the AT. She is such an inspiration. My husband is battling colon cancer at the 5%, and needless to say, this is not am easy time for him or our family. I love turning to your blog and reading all about the days adventures.

I have battled weight my entire life, I am 5'7 and am finally to a steady 140 lbs., although I'd like to lose another 10 lbs., it doesn't seem to want to lose me. I used/use WW for food control, the gym for exercise, and tied them both together on myfitnessplan.com I would love to follow your weight loss journey. I enjoy your writing style.

I'm not so good at commenting, but I do read daily. Your writing brings a smile, and I need all the smiles I can get.

--M

Reply

3 Second Delay

9/19/2013 10:48:58 am

The El Camino de Santiago de Compostella. I'm looking at mid-April through May. Still chilly but less crowded (and it's during my seasonal lay-off). I need a book writing partner (or three???)! Pretty sure we could crowd source some of the funding through GoFundMe or Kickstarter.

And, BTW, I lost a few pounds today when a bear scared the poop out of me on the LongTrail. He came up from behind, even my little doggy Matilda was startled! So, hiking can help you drop a few pounds!

Reply

The Editor

9/21/2013 03:41:47 am

Hey, Mama! Looks like you've got support on every side. I love when women come together to strengthen each other and it's great to hear so many success stories! If you run off to Spain with 3 Second Delay, I may be angry-jealous for several months, but I'll remember to be happy for you, too (and to edit your books... for a fee). As you know, I haven't had much experience trying to lose weight, but as far as a source of fun knowledge on eating better, I ADORE the Eat this, Not that series. You can sign up to get emails from them which often have interesting tidbits, and the whole concept is that we're human and we're going to eat things that aren't perfect, but you can swap for healthier alternatives at least. I mean, if you going to cave and have a sundae, do you want the 2500 calorie one or the 800 calorie one? Also, they do this great thing where they will compare things to treats, like "This salad from Applebee's has as much trans fat as 40 pieces of bacon." And you decide to have a BLT instead and have a net gain. They also compare to ice cream bars and Krispy Kream donuts. I have often thought, if this equals 10 ice cream bars... I'd rather just have one ice cream bar and feel good about myself. I have at least 3 of their books. Maybe 4. I don't know if I have the grocery store one or not. I'll get back to you. I'd happily lend (they're at Deanne's anyway) and in case anyone else is interested, here's the link:

http://eatthis.menshealth.com/home

I have every faith in your strength, Mama. I'm happy that you feel ready to tackle this.

PS Could I take a couple pounds off your hands? >.>

Reply

Simon

11/9/2013 09:47:30 pm

Hi family chips,

if you would like some inspiration for walking the Camino de Santiago check out this site and the link to sage and alex's amazing blog of their trip, http://www.trishalexsage.com/
like chipmunk they are another pair of inspirational young people who help get my motivation back when i need to get out walking again.

Reply

Leave a Reply.

Many readers have asked if they can help; if you'd like to provide some "Trail Magic" for Chipmunk and her expenses, click the donate button below. Thank you in advance for your support!